Israel to stop funding childcare for ultra-Orthodox Jews in study

Deputy Attorney-General Gil Limon’s recent ruling has stirred controversy as the state may no longer subsidize daycare for children of full-time yeshiva students without IDF exemptions. This decision, following a High Court ruling on haredi men’s IDF service exemption, is set to impact thousands of haredi families just before the new school year.

Limon’s ruling highlights the direct connection between state support for yeshiva students and their IDF exemption legality. This could mean that haredi men evading the draft may lose benefits like subsidized daycare, causing financial strain on families.

While Israeli public education is usually free, daycare subsidies for toddlers depend on parental availability. The recent order changes this policy, excluding haredi men from being counted as students unless they join the IDF.

The decision has drawn criticism from haredi politicians, with Labor Minister Yoav Ben-Tzur promising to fight for the affected families. The situation remains tense as families prepare for the upcoming school year amidst financial uncertainties.